TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Then celebrate the Festival of Weeks to the Lord your God by giving a freewill offering in proportion to the blessings the Lord your God has given you. Deuteronomy 16:10
Read: Deuteronomy 16:10-11
Listen: Deuteronomy 16
TODAY’S MESSAGE
God desires the Israelites reflect his generous heart to the world around them with the Feast of Pentecost. They are to travel to Jerusalem for a one-day feast and bring a gift according to God’s blessings. They are to bring their families, servants and those without resources or means to travel. God welcomes outsiders into their celebrations. In doing so, they remember they were once foreigners and enslaved people whom God rescued from bondage in Egypt. He also instructs them to leave the edges of their fields unharvested for the poor and foreigners to glean (Leviticus 23:22). God seeks to shape his people to reflect his generous heart through their actions.
God’s heart is the same today. He desires we welcome people from all backgrounds, economic levels and situations to know his generosity through us. God seems to have a significant spot in his heart for those who have no people, are outsiders and have no support. We may think the government or church should meet the needs, but God often draws others to himself through relationships. We reflect God’s heart to the world as we open ourselves and our resources to bless others.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Ask God to open your eyes and heart to people outside your comfort zone. Look around and consider who you can be generous with that doesn’t have a strong support system. If you’re wondering where to begin, visit adabible.org/missions to find ways you can partner with local ministries and form new relationships.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
ROMANS 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
